El Barrio en Montevideo

The neighborhood we are staying in is called Punta Carretas which is east of the main financial area and the southern most tip of the city. Scott is here with a few other guys from the office and we all live in the same area so meet up after work pretty often for dinner and drinks.  Out with Joe, Mike and Rachelle

Had a great dinner at Da Pentella's an Italian Restaurant.

Fun night out playing darts at 503 Bar with Mike and Rachelle.  

A great Feira (market) that is held on Tuesday and Saturday in the neighborhood. They sell pretty much anything. (Clothes, shoes, jewelry, houseware goods and food) Really amazing and reasonable prices.

Can't get over the size of the sweet potatoes, delicious!

Nice area to read a book, people watch and catch some sun

Park located on the Rambla, in our neighborhood

THE BEACH....across the street from our place

Having a dog seems to be very popular in the city. You see a lot of dog walkers with anywhere from 5 - 8 dogs at a time.

Local recycle collector and their unique transportation

Mercado Del Puerto Montevideo

Mercado Del Puerto is an old covered market full of parillas and is a meeting and eating spot for the locals and tourists. The aroma of smoked grilled meat entices you as soon as you walk. Uruguay is all about meat and this is the place to go to get it. You can park yourself on counter stools or grab a table. I think it is better to sit at the counter and you don't get charged the table fee.

Saturday afternoon the street is filled with people. There is live music, vendors selling "so called" antiques, leather, jewelry and souvenirs.

Centro Montevideo

The Palacio Salvo was South America's tallest building when it was built in 1927. The building is situated in front of the main square called Plaza Independencia.

The military hero, Jose Artigas, is buried beneath the main square, Plaza Independencia, where you can visit his mausoleum. Two guards stand on either side of an urn, while each of the surrounding walls contain some information about moments in his life.  Above the mausoleum, in the middle of the square is a huge statue. Artigas led the fight against the Spanish and later against the Brazilians in order to secure Uruguayan Independence in 1828.

The Teatro Solis is the main theater in Montevideo and one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. It was built in 1856 and owned by their government.

Below is the history door taking you into the old city called Ciudad Vieja.

Photos of downtown....

While having lunch with Rachelle, we got to enjoy Ofelia and Nelson tango dancing to promote their lessons.

Brutus in Rio de Janeiro

I love the Flat Stanley Project and wanted to do something similar during our travels. We decided to take Brutus the Buckeye, the OSU Mascot, since we are both from Ohio and are fans of OSU football.

Ready to start my adventure. First place is Rio de Janeiro

Enjoying a sunny day at Ipanema Beach with a cold Bohemia Beer

Gabbie is my new friend from Rio, Brazil

Copacabana Beach

Hanging out on Sugar Loaf Mountain

Christ of Redeemer

Meet my new Brazilian friends!

Hanging out at the beach